Rollins Loses Opener Despite Strong Showing

September 11, 1987|By Joe Laframboise, Sentinel correspondent

WINTER PARK — Seattle-Pacific may be the defending Division II national champion in soccer for the past two years, but Rollins College held the Falcons scoreless for more than 88 minutes in the Tars' season opener Thursday at Sandspur Field before losing, 1-0.

The lone goal came when Mark Faller scored with 1:46 remaining, the ball popping out of goalkeeper John Lewis' hands and into the goal. Lewis recovered to make a diving catch, but it was too late.

''It was a tough break,'' said first-year coach David Fall. ''We played well and up to that point. John had been brilliant in the goal.'' It was an impressive first varsity game for Lewis, a senior from New York.

Fall's concern going into the game was his team's defense. ''We were trying to establish an idea of how we are going to defend. I'm happy with the defense.''

In the opening half, the Tars had a slight edge after the first 45 minutes but seemed to tire in the opening minutes of the second half when Seattle-Pacific dominated play but failed to score. Rollins recovered soon and put some pressure on the Falcon goalie but couldn't beat him. The Tars' best chance came when Declan Link just missed a header after a pass from Brad Johnson.

Fall said that Rollins was never really worried about beating Seattle- Pacific. ''We stayed with the defending champs, and I'm happy about that. We have several dangerous players out there who can score at any time. We are going to solve our problems.''

Seattle-Pacific had the advantage of four tough games under its belt before Thursday. Now 5-0, the Falcons have allowed only one goal.

The Tars' next opponent will be Florida International Sunday at 2 p.m. at Sandspur Field.